Does Shadow of Mordor Break Canon?
Shadow of Mordor, a critically acclaimed video game, has sparked controversy among fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth series. The game’s storyline, characters, and events have been scrutinized for their adherence to the original canon. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Shadow of Mordor and explore whether it breaks canon or not.
Direct Answer
No, Shadow of Mordor is not canon. While the game takes place within the Middle-earth universe and incorporates elements from Tolkien’s works, it is not considered part of the official canon. The game’s storyline, characters, and events are entirely new and do not contradict the events described in Tolkien’s books.
A Brief Background
Shadow of Mordor is a third-person action-adventure game set in the fictional world of Middle-earth. The game’s story takes place between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, during the time of Sauron’s return to power. The game follows the character of Talion, a Ranger of Gondor, and his quest to defeat Sauron’s forces and destroy the Dark Lord’s armies.
Non-Canonical Elements
The game’s storyline features several non-canonical elements that set it apart from Tolkien’s works. For example:
• The game’s protagonist, Talion, is not a canon character: Talion is a new character created by the game’s developers, Monolith Productions. He is not mentioned in any of Tolkien’s books or other official Middle-earth materials.
• The game’s story is not part of the official chronology: While the game takes place within the Middle-earth universe, its storyline is not considered part of the official chronology. The events of the game do not occur within the time frame established by Tolkien.
• The game’s characters are not from Tolkien’s original works: Many of the characters in the game, including Celebrimbor and Eltariel, are not from Tolkien’s original works. They are entirely new characters created by the game’s developers.
Canonical References
Despite its non-canonical elements, Shadow of Mordor does feature several canonical references to Tolkien’s works. For example:
• The game’s setting is based on Tolkien’s descriptions: The game’s environments, characters, and architecture are inspired by Tolkien’s descriptions in his books. The game’s developers consulted with Tolkien experts and incorporated many of the author’s original concepts into the game.
• The game’s plot is influenced by Tolkien’s storylines: The game’s storyline is influenced by Tolkien’s original storylines, including the struggle against Sauron and the fate of Middle-earth. The game’s developers worked closely with Tolkien’s estate to ensure that the game’s story stayed true to the spirit of the original works.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shadow of Mordor is not canon in the classical sense. Its storyline, characters, and events are entirely new and do not contradict the events described in Tolkien’s books. However, the game does feature canonical references to Tolkien’s works, including the game’s setting and plot. Ultimately, whether or not Shadow of Mordor breaks canon is a matter of interpretation. For fans of Middle-earth, the game offers a fresh and exciting take on the world, while also respecting the original works that have come before it.